Shelby County Fire Department Capt. Eddie Whitworth said that when firefighters arrived at 669 Burks Branch Road on Saturday morning just after 11 a.m., they saw smoke coming from under the eaves of the house.

He said the homeowner, Larry Sims, had smelled something burning and found a fire in a closet next to the furnace. The family was able to evacuate the home with their pets and were also able to retrieve some of their belongings, he said.

Major Andy White, fire investigator for the Shelby County Fire Department said the fire was caused by faulty electrical wiring that ran through a wall stud and through the closet to the furnace.

Smoke detectors were present in the home and operating at time of the fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 1:09 p.m.

The section of Burks Branch Road between the entrance of Clear Creek Park and the intersection of 7th street and Burks Branch Road was blocked by Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies while they were fighting the blaze.